Kuala Lumpur
Golden Screen Cinemas
Kuala Lumpur
Date: 20 September – 28 September
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Singapore (Golden Screen Cinemas)
Guest: Aaron Kwok, James Hung, Locker Lam, MJ Chan, Robin Lee,Ken Law
Screening: My First of May, Fight For Tomorrow, Good Game, Four Trails, True Love, for Once in My Life, I’m Livin’ It
Partner: Golden Screen Cinemas(GSC), GSC Movies(GSCM)
The Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation – Kuala Lumpur, organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) in collaboration with Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) and GSC Movies (GSCM), officially opened last night at the Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX. Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK), the Hong Kong Film Development Fund (FDF), and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta), the event runs from September 20 to 28, showcasing six specially selected Hong Kong films.
The line-up includes My First of May (opening film), Fight For Tomorrow, Good Game, Four Trails, True Love, for Once in My Life, and the re-release of I’m Livin’ It (2019). The opening ceremony welcomed a star-studded delegation: Aaron Kwok, director James Hung (My First of May), actor Locker Lam (Fight for Tomorrow), action choreographer MJ Chan, director Robin Lee (Four Trails), and Ken Law, creator and actor of Good Game, who all took part in lively onstage conversations with audiences.
Aaron Kwok, whose performance in My First of May was a centrepiece of the evening, described his role as a deeply challenging departure: “He’s an athlete who has fallen from glory, masking his insecurity with arrogance, while struggling with his daughter’s illness. It’s a story of conflict, reconciliation, and the healing power of family.” He added that as a Hong Kong actor he feels honoured to support new directors and diverse projects: “Cinema is a universal language. Its ability to resonate and move audiences is what I find most powerful.”
Director James Hong explained that his inspiration came from the caregiver-child relationship: “Caregivers sometimes feel overwhelmed and even want to run away. It’s human nature, not something to blame. This film is about empathy — for both those who give and those who receive care.”
Locker Lam spoke about playing a boxer in Fight for Tomorrow, a moving story about a father-son reunion. He said he was thrilled to be back in Kuala Lumpur, where he had previously filmed for three months: “Hong Kong films have a special meaning here, not only for the Chinese community but also for Malay audiences.” Action choreographer MJ Chan highlighted the physical demands of the film’s Muay Thai sequences, noting how the characters’ motivations shaped each fight differently.
Robin Lee, who won Best New Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards for Four Trails, shared: “I had little expectation when making the film, but the response has been overwhelming. I hope it will also strike a chord with audiences here.” Ken Law, introducing Good Game, said: “What began as a small idea grew into something much bigger — from script to scouting to choreography, I wore many hats, but it was worth it. This film is my labour of love, both on screen and off.”
This year’s Kuala Lumpur showcase continues AFAA’s new theme, “Together We Dare,” with a focus on collaboration across directors, actors, and action teams. AFAA Executive Director Josie Lin remarked: “We want Malaysian audiences to see the breadth of Hong Kong cinema and to build on the long-standing ties between our two film cultures.”
HKETO Jakarta Director Libera Cheng also addressed the audience, noting Hong Kong’s commitment to film development: “The Hong Kong SAR Government has long supported the industry — from funding productions to nurturing talent and expanding markets. Over the past three years, projects backed by CCIDAHK accounted for nearly 30% of Hong Kong’s box office. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen international and Mainland promotion, exchanges, and partnerships to help Hong Kong films reach new horizons.” Golden Screen Cinemas CEO Koh Mei Lee was also present to witness the lively interaction between Hong Kong films and Malaysian audiences.
The evening also featured the exhibition Weaving Dreams: Artistry in Film, which invited audiences to revisit iconic moments from the six featured films through text, music, and visuals. A souvenir corner designed by Hong Kong artist To Poki was also popular among visitors for its clean, film-inspired aesthetics.
Heartfelt Exchange Between Aaron Kwok and Director James Hong
Director James Hong of My First of May and lead actor Aaron Kwok joined the audience for a heartfelt post-screening dialogue. Kong recalled writing the film during the pandemic, when Hong Kong cinema was struggling and his own family faced health challenges. “At that time, I was both a caregiver and a filmmaker who felt I couldn’t go on. But I realised that only by creating could I move forward,” he said. “The father–daughter relationship in the film is thorny, but in the end the father returns home. That process also gave me strength to step out of my own darkness.”
Aaron Kwok spoke about playing role, a fallen champion forced to face his responsibilities: “He hides his insecurities behind arrogance, but only when his mother falls ill does he awaken to the fact he can’t run away anymore.” He recalled the door-side apology scene with his on-screen daughter as especially powerful: “We shot three versions, but the first take best captured the character’s collapse.” Another moving moment for him was hearing his daughter softly call “Dad” while he pretended to sleep: “It was bittersweet — he wanted to show love but could only let a tear fall in silence.”
Asked whether he would make such sacrifices as a father in real life, Kwok replied: “Many people avoid what they don’t want to face, but I hope this film reminds us to cherish those around us.” He shared that he brought his own daughters to see the film: “They asked questions when they didn’t understand, and I explained. That’s the parent–child dialogue I want to encourage, and I hope they see their father working hard as a role model.”
Kwok and other filmmakers will continue to meet audiences through post-screening Q&A, and on September 22 they will also take part in university lectures at Tunku Abdul Rahman University, bringing the spirit of Hong Kong cinema to the next generation.
Aaron Kwok: Infinite Horizon of Artistry
Bringing his films My First of May and I’m Livin’ It to Malaysia, Aaron Kwok met university students face-to-face for the first time, greeted by enthusiastic cheers on his arrival. In conversation with the host, he looked back on his 35-year journey in the performing arts. He recalled being scouted as a dancer before entering TVB’s artist training programme, never expecting to become an actor: “I got the highest marks in the training, but I didn’t have the looks — others were taller and more handsome and immediately cast in lead roles. I started with minor parts, but I didn’t mind. I was young, and every step of growth was valuable.”
His career took off in Taiwan after a motorcycle commercial unexpectedly made him popular, leading to his debut as a singer despite not speaking Mandarin at the time. With the hit “Loving You Forever,” he rose to fame, releasing up to three albums a year during the 1990s. “Those ten years shaped me, but I was also exhausted — it felt like I’d lost a sense of excitement.”
Turning his focus to film, Kwok went on to win Best Actor at the Golden Horse Awards for Divergence, followed by acclaimed roles in After This Our Exile and Port of Call. He expressed gratitude to collaborators like William Chang, who helped him shed his idol image and embrace characters fully, and Patrick Tam, who taught him how to convey character through the camera’s rhythm: “A theatre coach once trained us by speeding up the tempo while we recited lines — it forced us to know them inside out. On set, no matter the pace or situation, I could deliver them naturally. It’s not about memorising; it’s about mastering.”
Kwok also emphasised his ongoing support for emerging filmmakers, noting that he has worked with many new directors over the years and hopes to continue giving young voices more visibility, helping to drive the future of Hong Kong cinema.
Robin Lee × James Hung: Storytelling Across Documentary and Drama
At the session “Storytelling Across Documentary and Drama”, Robin Lee, director of Four Trails, and James Hung, director of My First of May, shared their insights into the creative process.
Robin Lee described the unique appeal of documentary filmmaking as its unpredictability: “Even though our team had a narrative framework in mind during preparation, unexpected people or events often emerge to reshape the story. That unpredictability is what makes documentary filmmaking so fascinating — the structure and core themes are there, but the real protagonists only reveal themselves as life unfolds.”
As a new director, James Hung addressed a student’s question on how young people passionate about film can enter the industry. He encouraged aspiring filmmakers not to be deterred by cultural, social, or linguistic barriers: “Everyone has their own way of telling stories — stories about themselves and the environments they live in. Those unique perspectives are what make filmmaking meaningful.”
MJ Chan × Ken Law: Action Choreographer Designs Dialogue
In Good Game, Ken Law juggled multiple roles — “actor, planner, action director, and even original story creator” — while MJ Chan choreographed the Muay Thai sequences for Fight for Tomorrow.
Law admitted that “the hardest part of action filmmaking is keeping actors safe during complicated stunt scenes,” adding that today’s choreographers are far luckier than the older generation of stuntmen who often “risked their lives on set.”
Chan recalled a 30-foot fall that left him with a dislocated shoulder and broken leg: “It took me over a year to recover. Being a stunt performer isn’t about looking pretty on screen — it’s about ffocus and adrenaline to get the action done safely.”
Speaking on the global appeal of Hong Kong action cinema, Chan remarked: “Action choreography tells stories through body language. And movement is a universal language — that’s why Hong Kong action films resonate internationally.” Having doubled for stars such as Ekin Cheng, Louis Koo, and Andy Lau, he joked he was practically a “Best Actress” stand-in. “Our job isn’t just to finish the action for the actors, but to move in harmony with them, so audiences believe it’s the actor themselves performing.”
Locker Lam Reflects on the Gruelling Journey Behind Fight for Tomorrow
Also representing Fight for Tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur was actor Locker Lam, who appeared alongside action choreographer MJ Chan at the post-screening talk. He recalled the grueling shoot: “We worked more than 20 hours straight. To stay in shape, I was also intermittently fasting — at one point I nearly fainted.”
When asked why he didn’t use a stunt double, Locker was firm: “Authenticity is everything in boxing scenes. As long as I can handle it, I’ll always do it myself. I don’t want to look back one day, when I’m too old to perform, and regret not giving it my all.” His dedication drew a round of applause from the audience, who were moved by the spirit shared by many action actors.
Reflecting on his ten-year career, Locker admitted that he used to chase leading roles, but later learned to let go of that pressure. “Opportunities don’t always come when you want them. What I can control is enjoying the process and being true to each role.” That mindset shift, he said, allowed him to perform more naturally during auditions — ultimately leading him to land the part in Fight for Tomorrow, which he described as a rare honour.
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation
Screening Schedule:
20 September (Sat) My First of May: 20:15
21 September (Sun) Fight For Tomorrow: 14:00
21 September (Sun) Four Trails: 14:00
21 September (Sun) I’m Livin It: 16:45
21 September (Sun) Good Game: 20:00
Aaron Kwok — Infinite Horizon of Artistry
Date: 22 September 2025
Time: 1.00 PM – 2.00 PM
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT)
Information: In Cantonese and English
Directors Robin Lee x James Hung — Storytelling Across Documentary and Drama
Date: 22 September 2025
Time: 11.45 AM – 12.15 PM
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT)
Information: In Cantonese and English
Action Choreographers MJ Chan x Ken Law — Action Choreographer Designs Dialogue
Date: 22 September 2025
Time: 12.15 PM – 12.45 PM
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT)
Information: In Cantonese and English
Leaflet
Asian Film Awards Academy
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognise Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.
Our year-round events and programmes are held with the objectives to promote Asian films to a wider audience, expand the film market within Asia, and build and sustain connections among Hong Kong and international film professional. Masterclass Series – in conversation with filmmakers, Journey to the fest – Student Visit to International Film Festivals, Asian Cinerama – Film Roadshow, and Young Film Professionals Programme – overseas training and work-placement, are examples of our year-round programmes. These programmes could not have held successfully without the financial support of Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong, and Film Development Fund (FDF) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. AFAA has worked to promote, educate, inform and develop knowledge, skills and interest in Asian cinema among the industry, students and audiences in Asia and beyond with the support of film festivals and cultural organizations.
Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency
CCIDA, formerly known as Create Hong Kong is established in June 2024and is a dedicated office set up by the HKSAR Government under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. It provides one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conductive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, cultural and creative sectors as industries.
Film Development Fund
The FDF was first set up by the Government in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong. Since 2005, the HKSAR Government has injected a total of $1.54 billion into FDF to support Hong Kong’s film industry along four strategic directions, namely nurturing talent, enhancing local production, expanding markets and building audience. In the past, FDF has supported a number of film productions and other film-related projects through various film production funding schemes and other film-related project schemes.
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0608
Website: www.afa-academy.com
